We fear Wales more than France, insists All Black McAlister

As New Zealand prepare to face Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday they have insisted their opponents pose a much bigger threat to them than France.

The All Blacks have just come off back-to-back victories against the French (47-3 and 23-11), after earlier disposing of England 40-21, and see Wales as a tough nut to crack.

That is the view of Luke McAlister who is being lined-up to start at inside centre against Wales.

McAlister played in the 47-3 demolition of the French in the opening international in Lyon two Saturdays ago, but then sat out the 23-11 victory at the Stade de France.

And the 11-times capped North Harbour star is expecting Wales to be much more of a potent threat than France, who only managed one try in 160 minutes of rugby, and that score came from a rare All Blacks error.

"I think Wales will offer much more than France. Just watching the Canada game they used the ball really well," said the 23-year-old, who has only lost once in an All Blacks jersey.

"The Welsh team are very exciting and I expect them to throw the kitchen sink at us on Saturday."

But McAlister remains confident that New Zealand, who have not lost to Wales since 1953, can extend that run.

"We are not going into the game expecting to win but we will always go into the game confident, and if we play our best hopefully we should win.

"To win all four matches on tour was the goal from the start of the trip as well as the coaches mixing up the teams."

McAlister admitted that he has a particular soft spot for the Millennium Stadium.

"It would be a career highlight playing in front of 75,000 at the Millennium Stadium. A couple of years ago I didn't play and I was in the crowd. It was an awesome atmosphere and it's something I'd like to be a part of. Everyone is different but for me it's my favourite stadium."

Coach Graham Henry is expected to make changes from the second Test victory over France with Steve Hansen, the assistant coach, suggesting the All Blacks would pick their strongest available 22 when they announce their side on Tuesday.

The only injury problem concerning Henry and Hansen is a knee injury to inside centre Aaron Mauger, which further enhances McAlister's claims to the No 12 jersey.

But with Daniel Carter having played in all three games so far there is also a case that McAlister might figure at outside-half.

"Playing 12 is my best position but I won't feel uncomfortable if I'm chucked in at 10," said McAlister, who played outside half in the third Test against the British Lions in 2005.

"The coaches have done a major job in building depth with their rotation system. It might not have gone down well back home with the fans but I think they are coming round to the idea because we are winning."